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With only so many vacation days and literally thousands of resort destinations to chose from, finding the right one to pause and recharge can feel like a daunting task. Lucky for you, I recently returned from a stay at Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort where I spent leisurely days basking in the sun, exploring the hotel’s impressive amenities, and partaking in a roster of activities in the company of my niece and nephew. And after time spent in such luxurious surroundings being pampered and cared for by a staff of professionals who go the extra mile to make you feel at home, Matteo and Emily wanted to graciously share ‘WHY’ they think you too should book a stay. After all, “Sharing is Caring!”

15-YEAR OLD MATTEO'S TOP 3

The Core Zone Teen’s Club

One super cool thing about this property is definitely their Core Zone Teen’s Club. Not your usual club by any standards, it features a rock climbing wall, basketball court, Euro-bungee, batting cage, archery, arcade and video game station, including the world-famous Fort Nite. What made this club a stand out for Matteo is that it actually catered to what a teenager considers fun and it was perfect on a rainy evening or when he simply wanted a break from the sun. The Core Zone Teen’s Club and the Explorer’s Club for Kids provide a lot of fun alternatives.

The club is also open until 10 pm each night, so when my sister, Stephanie, and I decided to go next door to enjoy dinner and a glass of wine at the adults-only Secrets property, we could rest easy knowing the kids were well taken care of and having a blast in the process. (Adult guests at Dreams have access to all the fun and amenities at Secrets next door, too. Read all about my stay at SECRETS!)

The Water Amenities: Lazy River, Pools and Water Slides

If there is one thing parents know, not all kids like hanging out at the beach. In fact, many prefer playing in a pool over the salty ocean. That’s definitely the case with Matteo and Emily. It doesn’t matter what I say or how I try to entice them to stay at the beach (keep in mind this was also a powder-white sand beach with private beach cabanas, two bars and NO seaweed), they always chose to play in the pool, and I get it. It’s not easy to play Marco Polo in the ocean nor do handstands with the waves knocking you over. Thankfully, Dreams had plenty of pools for them to chose from surrounded by stylish, comfy nooks where I could sip cocktails, tan or catch up on some reading in between joining them for a cool dip and some rounds of Marco Polo.

Dreams is also home to a great water park with two huge waterslides, so whenever the kids needed a healthy adrenaline rush they headed over to the slides to have one!

When Matteo first told me that he couldn’t wait to arrive at Dreams to go in the lazy river, I honestly thought he was mistaken - lazy rivers are big and usually only found in amusement parks, not resorts. But he was not only right, the lazy river was also perfectly located directly in front of our spacious two-bedroom villa in the Preferred Club section. The stylish villa came with two large bedrooms (one with a kingsize bed and the other with two queen beds), three bathrooms (two with showers), living room, dining area, as well as an outdoor jacuzzi and patio, which came in handy with the 24-hour room service we put to good use. It was wonderful to have a luxurious place to rest at the end of each day. (For more videos and pics of our villa and vacation, visit my Instagram Highlights!)

The Grotto Pool Bar

I admit it! When Matteo included the Grotto Pool Bar in his Top 3, I am certain my face had a "WHAT?!" expression on it, evidenced by his quick response to explain why. In my defence, I thought he would have mentioned the amazing Pirate Show, the deliciously entertaining Tappaniaki experience at Fusion Japanese Restaurant, or the Hobie Cat. But alas, his choice was the Grotto Pool Bar. I guess when you think about it, it is pretty cool (both literally and figuratively) to swim into a glimmering grotto beneath a waterfall to sip on what Matteo professed to be the “BEST PINA COLADA EVER,” alcohol-free of course!

11-YEAR OLD EMILY'S TOP 3

The Food

Coming from a family who likes to eat. No, let me rephrase that . . . LOVES to eat, there is a certain amount of pride and satisfaction when you hear your 11-year old niece chose ‘food’ as her top pick. When you have a kid like Emily who can devour a steak and eat a piece of lamb down to the bone, you can bet food is important to her, regardless of age, and Gaucho Steakhouse was her favourite. Her go to staple was Dolce where she ate ice cream, cookies and drank iced coffee each day, decaf of course!

While we are on the topic of food, Emily really loved learning to make sushi with one of the hotel’s executive chefs. Note: We did not pay extra to do this, nor was this an experience arranged solely for us. Learning to make sushi and guacamole are just a few of the fun activities guests can partake in each day for FREE.

The Spa

At the gorgeous Dreams Spa by Pevonia®, spanning almost 16,000 sq.ft., the kids experienced their first fish pedicure. At first they were a bit hesitant to place their feet inside the aquariums, but once they did they had a blast. I think this picture is proof enough!

And while the kids were being pampered, my sister and I disconnected and decompressed in the Watsu pool for a Watsu massage; this gentle form of water therapy combines elements of massage, joint mobilization, shiatsu, muscle stretching and dance. If water therapy is not your thing, there are many other treatments. Whatever your preference, the Dreams spa is like a sanctuary within a sanctuary.

One of the most amazing experiences I have ever had on a resort was the Temazcal located in the Dreams Spa. Before partaking in this sacred ritual in a traditional indigenous sauna, my sister and I performed a cleansing sun salutation on the beach at noon led by two shamans, a man and woman. The word temazcal comes from the Nahuatl word temāzcalli [temaːsˈkalːi] ("house of heat"), or possibly from the Aztec teme (to bathe) and calli (house). I have always wanted to partake in this ritual that is said to place you face to face with your deepest fears and purify the body and mind. I was scared at first because I worried that I would not be able to take the heat, that I would feel claustrophobic, that I would run out screaming or on a stretcher after having fainted, but I decided that it was now or never and bravely entered the confined dark space. As the shaman chanted and placed hot stone on top of hot stone, the heat rose and so did my bravery. The ritual lasted an hour (many last two to four hours), but it left me feeling cleansed, more at peace, and connected to the Mayan people and their culture in a new found way. Quite simply, it was a beautiful experience. One I hope to have the courage to do again one day.

The Nightly Entertainment

Normally I am the first to skip out on the evening shows. Truth is I find many of them to be sort of repetitive, if not all together cheesy, but the Pirate Show felt like I was watching something that belonged in Cirque du Soleil and had my full attention the entire time. It also had Emily’s and that’s probably why she chose the evening entertainment as a top pic. Dreams also hosted a beautiful bbq outside the theatre with dinner tables set up inside, so guests could dine and mingle before the show which was a nice touch. There were also Mexican artisans selling local handcrafted goods and Emily purchased herself a lovely bracelet, while my sister came home with a lovely hand painted guacamole bowel.

Dreams Playa Mujeres is framed by beautiful natural landscapes and aquamarine waters on the beguiling shores of Playa Mujeres—a pristine peninsula with white sand beaches located 10 miles north of cosmopolitan Cancún in an exclusive gated community. From August 18th to December 15th, 2018, (excluding Thanksgiving holiday) KIDS STAY FREE with two adults. This is a great opportunity to come experience 65,000 square feet of swimming pools, an on-site water park, spa, ten dining options and thirteen bars, as well as complimentary greens fees at the Playa Mujeres Golf Course next door.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PLANNING YOUR 'DREAMS' GETAWAY!

AMResorts is a collection of luxury resort destinations, each with its own unique personality. Raising all-inclusive to a New Level of Luxury®, every one of our resorts features Endless Privileges®, Unlimited-Luxury®, Defined Delights™ or Unlimited-Fun®, that offers sun-soaked beaches, elegant accommodations, a world-class spa, gourmet dining, unlimited premium drinks, and many other pampering amenities. Visit amresorts.com.

I’ll admit it - I love going to Italy to eat! Who doesn’t? Nowhere is food more central to life and old-world traditions than in Italy, so it comes as no surprise that when one visits Rome, Italy's capitol, their culinary expectations are high.

Like any traveller, I’ve had my fair share of great, mediocre and bad dining experiences while travelling, some of which have taken place in Rome where hundreds of picturesque restaurants line its ancient streets. Admittedly, a few of those meals came courtesy of a friendly waiter who encouraged me to come inside, even though the tourist menu staring back at me pleaded, “Don’t do it, Francesca!” What can I say, I’m a sucker for kindness and on occasion when my feet ache and I’m starting to feel ‘hangry’ my restaurant choices have knowingly come at the expense of a great meal.

So when I recently visited Rome in the company of 5 foodie friends (3 of whom had never been there), I wanted to approach our dining experience differently. With food tours being the fastest growing experience category on TripAdvisor in 2017 and Italy dominating the list, I decided to sign us up on a food-and-wine tour with The Roman Guy that would guide us through the ivy-covered, cobblestoned streets in and around Trastevere; one of the city’s famed culinary districts. I had a lot riding on this decision, as surely my reputation as a travel journalist would be put to the test.

We arrived at Piazza Farnese at 6 pm to begin our Trastevere Food Tour with Dimitri; a tall gentleman holding up a sign that read The Roman Guy. For a brief moment I questioned my decision. Was partaking in a food tour too touristy, in particular for an Italian-Canadian travel writer? But I figured that if I was going to place my reputation and culinary fate in the hands of anyone, it may as well be Dimitiri, a local expert on Roman food culture, and thankfully I did. From the moment we began our gastronomic exploration all my doubts melted away - we were in good hands!

With Dimitri at the helm, we happily ate and drank our way through Rome’s atmospheric neighbourhoods dining in trattorias, osterias and restaurants beloved by locals. Our first of many stops was at a family owned cheese shop where we tasted a variety of cheese and salami that we washed down with sparkling organic Prosecco wine. We then savoured pipping hot Filetti di Baccalà (deep-fried codfish, a popular Roman street food); farm to table antipasti made of fresh local produce; pizza al taglio (Roman pizza cut to go); deep-fried zucchini flowers stuffed with anchovies and mozzarella di bufala (buffalo mozzarella); traditional Cacio e Pepe and Amatriciana pastas; and finally mouth-watering artisanal gelato, all the while Dimitri pointed out spots of historical significance and peppered his commentary with fun and interesting facts. Case in point, did you know that there are 900 churches in Rome and that Campo Dei Fiori is the only piazza in the city without a church in it? Or, did you know that there are 400 different types of cheeses and 1000 types of salami in Italy? Mind blowing, I know. We also learned the proper way to serve wine and why it is served that way. WATCH the video below to discover the murderous reason why!

Exploring Rome’s culinary scene with The Roman Guy brought Roman cuisine and culture to life in a way that only a local expert could, and because of that I experienced Rome in a way I never had before. It wasn’t until we were in the private cellar of a local restaurant devouring two plates of Rome’s most famed pastas (Rigatoni alla Amatriciana and Cacio e Pepe Pasta) that I was told that before gladiators went out to fight to their death they filled their bellies with a plate of Cacio e Pepe. Though only a nice legend, I will never again eat a plate of it without turning my thoughts to Rome’s 3,000 year old history. Arguably Roman cuisine has evolved since then, but what I discovered during my food tour with The Roman Guy is that a lot of the flavours we know and love have been served on local tables since the beginning of time.

At the end of our 4-hour tour I thought to myself, would I book one of The Roman Guytours again? My answer: definitely! Why? It turns out that food tours are a wonderful way to connect to a place and to share in a culinary experience that for us became a highlight during our visit to Rome. They are a fun opportunity to meet new people and a stress-free way to ensure you try all the best regional dishes accompanied by wine. In many ways, a good food tour is like getting your hands on the little black book of a local foodie and having them personally guide you through its pages. So the next time you visit Rome, I highly recommend you book any one of The Roman Guy tours.Tours range from food, historical sites and skip the line private visits to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, which we did the following day and loved. Highlights from that tour, besides the obvious skip the line private visit, was ALL the knowledge we acquired that day. I learned things I never knew before, in spite of my numerous visits there, and that made the experience an incredible and memorable one!

High above the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea on a series of steep
rocky cliffs, are the seaside villages of Italy’s renowned Amalfi Coast, a
place so enchantingly beautiful its memory remains etched upon the hearts of
those who visit long after they have gone.

The Amalfi Coast is what Italian summer dreams are made
of. It is a region so dreamlike, that many have tried to capture its beguiling
beauty in literature, film and on millions of Instagram accounts around the
world. However, to truly appreciate the essence of the Amalfi Coast, it must be
experienced, slowly savoured like the final moments of summer you want to hold
onto forever.

La Costiera Amalfitana is made up of 13 villages dripping
with flowers and lemon groves, magically suspended between the shimmering sea
and green-swathed mountains on the southern coast of the Sorrentine Peninsula,
south of Naples. The coast stretches 43-miles from Punta Campanella to Salerno,
and includes the picturesque towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. Many treasures
lay hidden within this celebrated coastline, among them, the town of Vietri sul
Mare, where the region’s world-famous coloured ceramics and tiles are produced.
This favourite haunt of the rich and famous, honeymooners, and tourists alike,
was awarded a coveted spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997.

The best way to take in the splendour of the Amalfi Coast
is at sea, while leisurely sailing along its magical shores, basking in the
Mediterranean sun and soaking in the glorious landscape. This also provides an
opportunity to discover many of its cove-hidden beaches and secluded seaside
restaurants like Conca del Sogno in Nerano, the perfect lunch spot. Take an
exhilarating drive along the winding cliffs of Strada Statale 163 with the wind
in your hair and ocean plunging at your feet, as you slice through sun kissed
villages. Whichever you prefer, one thing is certain, the Amalfi Coast will
cast its spell on you.

Sorrento opens
its doors to La Costiera Amalfitanaand
provides a convenient base for exploring the coast. The town is filled with
seaside resorts, restaurants and artisanal shops that spill onto vibrant
streets selling an array of handmade sandals, Limoncello liquor, souvenirs and
other local goods - many lemon-inspired. The cliff on which Sorrento rests is
poised like a beautiful terrace and boasts commanding views across the Bay of
Naples to Mt Vesuvius. On a clear day you may even see Pompeii or Capri. This
region is renowned for having some of the richest, freshest cuisine in the
world. At Ristorante Lo Scoglio, take in the impressive views as you dine on
fresh Mediterranean specialties. Don’t forget to visit the Sorrento port, where
you can set sail for the neighbouring islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida.

Further south is
the region’s crown jewel, the legendary town of Positano, where cliffside homes
cascade down to the shore in a panorama of ochre, terracotta and pastel hues;
the gold and green mosaic dome of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta glistens
beneath a crystal blue sky, a view that will leave you breathless! Positano
provides a picturesque setting to revel il
dolce far niente - the sweetness of doing nothing. Lounge on the rocky
beach of Spiaggia Grande or browse the boutiques that line Positano’s
atmospheric streets. Sip an aperitivo alfresco - preferably an Aperol Spritz -
and dine on fresh fish under the canopy of lemon trees. For a slice of
heaven, go to La Zàgara pasticceria
and try their Delizia al Limone cake. If you want to treat yourself to
something truly magical, head to the legendary Le Sirenuse Hotel and splurge on
a cocktail or meal at their poolside restaurant, La Sponda, while savouring the
magnificent views.

Situated on the
mouth of the Valle dei Mulini, Amalfi is the shimmering medieval town that gives
its name to this famous coastline. Once the seat of the Amalfi Maritime
Republic, one of the world's great naval powers in the 12th century, the town
dwellings are connected by covered passageways and stairways reminiscent of its
storied past. The main piazza houses a beautiful bell tower, an impressive
cloister and the striking cathedral of St. Andrew towering atop a sweeping
flight of stairs; it provides a scenic backdrop for the many cafes that line
its square. At Gran Caffè, Amalfi’s place to see and be seen, sip on a
Campanello, their signature cocktail of Campari and Limoncello. Other points of
interest include Amalfi’s Museum of Handmade Paper, housed in a cave-like
13th-century paper mill. Four kilometres west of Amalfi, see the luminous Grotta
dello Smeraldo, where emerald light is magnificently reflected off the cavern
walls.

Perched on a
ridge 365 metres high above Amalfi and the neighbouring town of Atrani, the
romantic hilltop town of Ravello is bursting with fragrant gardens, grandiose
villas and mind-blowing views over the entire Gulf of Salerno. The best views
on the coast, maybe even the world, can be seen from the terrace of the
11th-century Villa Cimbrone lined with classical-style statues and busts. To
the south of Ravello’s cathedral and Piazza Duomo, a 14th-century tower marks
the entrance to Villa Rufolo, famed for its cascading gardens where notes of
lemon hang in the air. Ravello is a town of music and art, and is host to the
summer-long Ravello Festival, one of the oldest in Italy. Music lovers from all
over gather to listen to outdoor performances set against inspiring views.

A hike along the
"Trail of the Gods" is a must-see! Lose yourself in the expanse of
sea and sky along a network of paths connecting villages and towns all over the
Sorrentine Peninsula. The path begins in Bomerano, a village 630mt in
the mountains between Sorrento and Amalfi, and ends in Nocelle where you can
unwind with a delicious meal. The trail stretches approximately 4.5 hours
across terraced vineyards, lemon trees and olive groves with views over caves
and a gorge, the perfect adventure for
hiking enthusiasts. After a few days exploring this magnificent coastline, set sail for the Isles of the Amalfi Coast!

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If you have explored the Amalfi Coast - the place where summer dreams are made of - and are looking for something new to discover, then set sail from Sorrento port for the Isles of the Amalfi Coast and visit the neighbouring islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida.

We begin with CAPRI..

With the glitz and glam of a chic resort town and an abundance of natural splendours, Capri’s beauty reigns supreme. For more than half a century, royals, artists, intellectuals and actors have all come to Capri to experience the quintessence of La Dolce Vita. Sailing around the island provides many photo-worthy opportunities of the famous Faraglioni rocks, limestone cliffs and numerous sea caves, among them the well-known Grotta Azzurra – its azure waters are incomparable. Once you arrive at Marina Grande, take the famous funicular up to Capri town while relishing the views. Then set out on a passeggiata through the town’s picturesque streets, where vibrant bougainvillea frame designer boutiques and the sweet scent of lemon blossoms fill the air. Treat yourself to a citrus granita from a local stand or a gelato at the renowned Gelateria Buonocore, both deliciously refreshing. At Canfora, browse the island’s bejewelled handmade sandals made famous by Jackie Onassis. Capri is home to many beautiful gardens like the Gardens of Augustus that offers splendid views of the Via Krupp criss-crossing its way to Marina Piccola and the jutting Faraglioni rocks. At Carthusia, purchase a fragrance scented with local flowers - it’s like taking Capri home in a bottle! In the charming Piazzetta, savour a glass of local Limoncello over lunch and immerse yourself in the art of people-watching. Afterwards, set out to Anacapri to ride the one seater chairlift to Monte Solaro, the highest point of the island. Keep your camera close as the aerial views are amazing! Later, stroll through the gardens at Villa San Michele and take in the panoramic vistas of Capri town and its harbour.

Then off to ISCHIA...

Unlike its famous neighbour on the Bay of Naples, the volcanic island of Ischia is everything Capri is not - old-world, rustic and authentic. The biggest of the islands, the Isola Verde (Green Island) is covered in greenery and bordered with white sand beaches. It is home to more than a hundred thermal springs and therapeutic muds said to have healing powers. At the Thermal Spa Negombo, spend a day sunbathing, swimming, relaxing in one of the thermal pools or rejuvenating with a spa treatment. Embark on exciting adventures like hiking to the top of Monte Epomeo (789 metres high) from the village of Fontana for a bird’s eye view of the island and ocean beyond. Explore Castello Aragonese – a medieval castle built on a rock near the island in 474 BC, and take in the magical view of the sun setting over Ischia. Taste local wines at Casa D’Ambra, one of the island’s oldest vineyards, or take in a leisurely stroll through the island’s craft shops and boutiques, eating Coniglio all-Ischitana local rabbit stew and fresh seafood, and enjoying everyone’s favourite pastime—boating around the island, diving into crystalline waters and swimming into a grotto.

And finally we visit PROCIDA...

The smallest of the islands in the Bay of Naples, Procida may be the most enchanting, in part because it remains untainted by mass tourism. Procida was created by the eruption of four now dormant volcanoes, and is located between Cape Miseno and the Isle of Ischia. Small enough to explore on foot, this sleepy Mediterranean fishing port provides visitors with an opportunity to witness authentic island living, a place where young children are out playing on its weathered streets and local fishermen return with the days catch. Marina Grande, Marina Corricella and Marina di Chiaiolella are where you will find most of the action, along with an array of quaint seaside trattorias serving local fare. Procida is not an island you visit for cultural attractions, though the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo is worth seeing. You come for l’ambiente, its charming atmosphere, which served as the backdrop to several cinematic masterpieces including the classic Il Postino and The Talented Mr Ripley. Be sure to visit the beach at Pozzo Vecchio featured in Il Postino and the more popular Chiaiolella Beach and swim in the island’s cerulean waters.

With an infinity-edge pool that seems to extend forever into aquamarine waters surrounded by swaying palms and stylish nooks that beckon relaxation, the adults-only Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort offers many reasons to love it. Here are 5 of my favourite.

1) Stay at One Property and Play at Two

Sprawled across a superlative slice of Mexico’s fabled Riviera Cancun, in an exclusive gated community, Secrets Playa Mujeres is the ultimate adults’ escape. The property boasts 424 luxurious suites, a gorgeous infinity pool with stylish nooks to sip, snuggle or ogle at the views, a hydra-therapy spa, nine restaurants and seven bars. And as if this wasn’t enticing enough, guests get to split their time with AMResorts’ stunning Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa located next door. The family-friendly Dreams offers another 65,000 square feet of swimming pools, an on-site water park, spa and an additional thirteen bars and ten dining options, including the only Brazilian style restaurant in the area. As a Preferred Club guest I received the same VIP perks at both properties, so after a day of sailing to Isla Mujeres or shopping in cosmopolitan Cancun, relaxing on one of the breezy Preferred Club Beach Cabanas with a refreshing cocktail post-dip became my ritual for ending each day in paradise.

2) The Rooms

From the moment of arrival I found myself already planning my return. The hotel offers the kind of effortless luxury that island dreams are made of. Rooms at the all-suites oceanfront resort are stylishly decorated with dark-wood furnishings and outfitted with marble bathrooms, rain showers, hydra tubs and toiletries by Gilchrist & Soames, including SPF 15 lotion. The plush robes and slippers, Nespresso coffee machine, pillow menu, 24-hour room service, nightly turn-down service, in-room tablets (where guests can access anything and everything they need to know about the hotel, from services to daily activities and specials), and magnificent views from the private terraces stay true to the property’s Unlimited-Luxury®. My sizeable room—a Preferred Club Ocean Front Master Suite—had a private living room and bar, two bathrooms, two private terraces and an outdoor jacuzzi perfectly positioned to soak in the vistas and soothing sounds with a chilled glass of bubbly in hand.

3) The Spa

Secrets Spa by Pevonia spans 16,000 square feet and is a sanctuary of calm, complete with an outdoor hydrotherapy spa set amid natural fauna, a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and relaxation area with speciality teas, infused waters and snacks. It’s pure bliss, especially when accompanied by a massage under the skilled touch of one of the hotel’s resident masseuses. After several hours of pampering that culminated with a 30 minute fish pedicure, I felt calm and invigorated. I could have easily spent all day there, but alas it was time to indulge my other senses.

* Preferred Club guests receive one day pass for the hydrotherapy spa and 20% off spa treatments.

4) The Dining

Options, options, options—nine to be exact, nineteen if you include Dreams. From Mexican, Italian, Pan-Asian and International fare, you could spend an entire week here and never eat at the same place twice. The Seaside Grill with its stylish poolside cabanas was a favoured lunch spot, while Oceana which served up a hearty breakfast for Preferred Club guests and gourmet seafood amplified with ocean views was perfect for alfresco dining. At night I delighted my palate with savoury cuisine from around the globe in an array of casual-meets-fine dining restaurants accompanied by copious glasses of wine - the hotel also offers a special wine list at an additional charge. The crown jewel was Bordeaux, a French restaurant decorated in hues of cream and blue with subtle odes to Alice in Wonderland. I sampled dishes like Rockefeller mussels glazed with a mornay sauce, lobster bisque with cognac foam served in a tall glass mug to resemble a café au lait, and flambéed Pernod shrimp served over a bed of dill risotto, each dish artistically displayed and flawlessly presented. My verdict: lots of dining options and all of them worth eating.

5) The Entertainment

For better or worse resorts are renown for their poolside activities and evening shows, but Secrets Playa Mujeres also offers daily yoga, Spanish lessons, Caribbean dance lessons, cooking and cocktail classes, and fun events like outdoor Mexican fiestas with live performances and local vendors selling a colourful array of handcrafted goods, and big-screen movie nights under the stars. For the avid-golfer, the unlimited complimentary golf at the onsite 18-hole course designed by golf legend Greg Norman will likely allure, while musical lovers can purchase tickets to watch Rock of Ages playing at Dreams at an additional cost. Who knew that one of my personal favourite experiences would be courtesy of the hotel’s Wednesday night Silent Dance Party, where guests wear headphones and have the option to choose between three songs that three DJs play for the crowd. There’s no noise for other guests, you choose what you want to listen to, and you control the volume. Dancing under a star filled sky swathed in Caribbean breezes was as perfect a night as it gets. Oh, and did I mention there were cocktails? These experiences alone make Secrets Playa Mujeres a destination worth coming back to again and again.

AMResorts is a collection of luxury resort destinations, each with its own unique personality. Raising all-inclusive to a New Level of Luxury®, every one of our resorts features Endless Privileges®, Unlimited-Luxury®, Defined Delights™ or Unlimited-Fun®, that offers sun-soaked beaches, elegant accommodations, a world-class spa, gourmet dining, unlimited premium drinks, and many other pampering amenities.

About Travelista73

Travelista73 is an online destination that inspires travel dreams and journeys through a collection of images, travel tips, hotel reviews, getaway guides and travel stories curated by travel journalist and writer Francesca Spizzirri, known internationally as Travelista73.